Man charged with heroin and cocaine possession

A man charged with heroin and cocaine possession is due to reappear at Athlone District Court in February.

Raymond Murphy (44), with an address at Magazine Avenue, Athlone, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens on November 5, who directed a probation report, to include assessment for community service.

Mr Murphy faces charges for two separate dates. The first date was January 27, 2021, on Magazine Road, Athlone, when he was charged with possession of a controlled drug, namely diamorphine, and possession of another controlled drug, namely cocaine.

In a brief outline of the facts, the court heard how, on that date, Gardaí were on patrol and observed a male walk into a laneway when he saw the Gardaí.

When Gardaí followed him, they saw him flick a bag of brown powder behind him. He was found to be in possession of heroin (diamorphine), with a street value of €3,780, and cocaine valued at €42, as well as €560 cash.

He told Gardaí he was moving drugs due to a debt, the court heard.

A second incident on August 28, 2021, involved a male and a female arguing on Connaught Street, Athlone, the court heard.

Mr Murphy is charged with possession of cannabis on that date, as well as intoxication in public, and engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place.

Mr Murphy has 29 previous convictions, including four for drugs charges.

Dara Hayden, solicitor for the accused, outlined that his client is 44 years old, and has had a heroin addiction since he was 16 years old.

“He’s free from heroin for four years, which is the longest he’s ever been clean,” he said.

Judge Owens directed a probation report, with assessment for community service, and remanded him on continuing bail to February 11.

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